Things can only go up for Ovechkin as he looks to spark his offense. Being on the second line should have no bearing in his point production and could reward him with better defensive matchups. Also look for a potential boost for Grabovski on both 5-on-5 and special teams.
Justin Falk will take a seat while the 6-foot-5 McIlrath makes his NHL debut. He is not known for his offensive output as much as his rough and physical play. He was recalled when Marc Staal was placed on IR and should have a huge impact on the Rangers blueline.
McIlrath was the 10th overall pick in 2010 and is in his second season with the Rangers AHL affiliate in Hartford. He is not known for his offence as much as his physical play in defensive zone, so he does not represent a young D-Man with fantasy upside. He has been recalled because of the injury to Marc Staal and could make his NHL debut tonight.
Washington gets their leading scorer back tonight after he sat out of the last two games. Ovechkin has had a strong start to the season scoring 10 and assisting on five in the first 20 games.
Ovechkin sat out both of the Capitals games this weekend with an injury he suffered last Monday. His return to practice is a positive sign that he will be ready to go tomorrow vs. the Islanders. Monitor his status prior to tomorrow's contest.
The Capitals were carried by the line of Mikhail Grabovski, Jason Chimera and Joel Ward last night, the trio combined for 10 points. Nicklas Backstrom also added two goals and one assist.
Ovechkin missed last night's contest with the Flyers, but could play tonight against the Panthers. The Capitals cruised to a 7-0 whopping against Philadelphia last night, so they probably won't rush their star back if he is not 100% tonight. Expect an update later in the day.
Ovechkin has 10 goals and five assists in 12 games, so the Caps will be in tough without him on Friday. Eric Fehr will shift to the first line in Ovi's absence.
The Capitals are calling Ovechkin day-to-day. Washington doesn't play until Friday, so there is a good chance Ovechkin could be in the lineup. Monitor his status after Friday's morning skate.
With Martin Erat out Wilson will make his NHL debut in a huge Game 5 between the Capitals and Rangers. He had 23 goals and 35 assists in 48 games with the Plymouth Whalers. He also had 17 points in 12 playoff games.
Wilson had 23 goals and 35 assists in 48 games with the Plymouth Whalers. He also had 17 points in 12 playoff games.
Ovie only has 2 G, 2 A, -2 and has 1 GWG. He has had his best two games of the season in his last 2 games. However the results still aren't there. Ovechkin may not be what he once was but how can you go from a guarantee of over a point-per-game pace to just 4 points in 9 games? He's got the skill he just needs to find the back of the net.
Looks like the RW experiment in Washington is over. Ovie will move back to the left side tonight as the Capitals take on the Devils and Ovechkin looks for his first goal of the season.
This is good news for owners who have Ovie in leagues that have Average Time on Ice and Shorthanded Goals as categories.
If the Capitals keep Ovechkin on the RW, he would get dual eligibility at LW and RW.
Ovechkin was injured during yesterday's practice but is reportedly OK. The Caps' captain has 29 goals and 53 points in 66 games.
Ovechkin was injured during this morning's practice but is reportedly OK. The Caps' captain has 29 goals and 53 points in 66 games.
Look for Ovechkin on the newly-formed third line. The superstar scored 24 goals and 45 points in 56 games.
Despite skating for about 15 minutes, Ovechkin ruled himself back into the lineup. The superstar scored 24 goals and 45 points in 56 games.
No word on how much time he will miss.
